/54- 







Book L.Xa_l5L5L 




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«i 



THE 



Jewish Chautauqua Society 
Course in American S^tDisI) |i^tstorp 



Jk A Syllabus of Topics, Historical and 
Biographical, with Suggested Subjects 
for Debates or Informal Discussions jfc 

Ananged for Readers and Members of Circles, with Bibliography 
^By HENRY BERKOWITZ 



1905-1906 



^ ^ Published by the Society for gratuitous distribution as its contribution to the 
Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the First Settlement of Jews in America. 






I 



8 Mr'06 



INTRODUCTION 



The Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the First Settlement 
of Jews in the United States, commemorated on Thanksgiving Day, 
November 30th, 1905, by public services in all congregations and special 
exercises in all our communities, suggests the publication of this little 
syllabus. A body of earnest students has been devoted with painstaking 
care to the task of collecting and recording the historic doings of our sires 
during these two centuries and a half. The general Jewish public, how- 
ever, is hardly conscious of the fact that we have such a record and that 
it merits the dignity of the title "American Jewish History." 

This celebration would be a dreary fiasco if it were to end in an empty 
display of oratorical pyrotechnics wherein we glorify ourselves through 
loud boastfulness. Let it rather prove the impulse for popularizing a 
knowledge of American Jewish History through the agency of the Young 
Men's Hebrew Associations, Congregational Societies, Councils of Jewish 
Women, Jev/ish Chautauqua Circles and kindred organizations. The 
primary purpose thus to be attained shall be to qualify all the sons and 
daughters of American Israel to get the true perspective by which to 
apprehend the place of our own generation in time and to understand 
the part we are to play in this great drama of real life. Every concern 
of the American citizen has during the past two hundred and fifty years, 
elicited the ardent and devoted participation of the Jewish people. Com- 
merce and industry, charity and benevolence, civic and military valor, 
scholarship and education, religion and moral reform all owe a debt to 
the Jewish citizen. 

I would therefore propose a series of programs for the meetings of 
our various Societies, in which this contribution of the Jew to America 
shall be clarified to our own thought and made better known to all. This 
might well be done through, ist, a series of biographical studies of the 
leading men of thought and action ; 2d, a review of the activities to which 
each gave rise; 3d, debates or informal discussions of the practical prob- 
lems which have thus come to confront our era and of the present means 
of solving these problems. 



Let me illustrate. "The splendid array of our Charities," to which 
we fondly refer, is the outcome of the pledge embodied in the original 
charter of the first'Jewish settlement in America. Read it in the "Grant 
of Privileges" issued by the "Dutch West India Company" to Governor 
Stuyvesant, April 26th, 1655, in which his demurrer against the settle- 
ment of Jews in New Amsterdam was set aside "provided the poor among 
them shall not become a burden to the Company or the Community, but 
be supported by their own nation." 

How well this obligation was fulfilled, not only by the earliest set- 
tlers, but by all their successors ! Three mighty tides of immigration were 
swept to these shores by European despotism, viz. : the Sephardim (Dutch, 
Spani.sh, Portuguese), Ashkenazim (German, Austrian) and the Slavic 
(Russian, Roumanian). These in turn befriended each other on the basis 
of the Jewish precept, "All Israel are surety for one another." Beginning 
then with this earliest phase of Jewish activities, we proceed to trace its 
develo])ment into the present and thus come face to face with the present 
day questions of philanthropy. This method is followed in the proposed 
treatment of each phase of the history of Jewish life. 

We ourselves are factors in the unfoldment of historic processes. 
This is a point of view to which most are strangers. But what dignity and 
importance is given to every episode when we lift it out of the common- 
place by relating it to all that is antecedent. What a moral restraint is 
imposed when we put every present deed into direct relation with its 
consequences upon those who afe to live hereafter. To rise to that point 
of view in which we see ourselves engaged in the making of History 
would be to realize the sublime motive of the Hebrew Prophets. To help 
us rise to such a view-point is the profound purpose of the study of our 
past. HENRY BERKOWITZ. 



Note. — In each community, history is in the making. Indeed, local histories are 
the springs which flow together to form the currents of general history. Include, there- 
fore, the narrative of what your own state, city or town has done in each phase of the 
development of Jewish life in America. By this means the whole subject gains at once 
in interest and directness of appeal. 

See to the preservation of the records of families, societies, synagogues, cemeteries, 
etc. In the preparation of papers giving an account of your local Jewish movements 
and institutions, do not forget to consult these sources carefully. Search also the records 
of State and local Historical vSocieties for early Jewish history. 



SUBJECTS FOR PROGRAMS 



Lectures, Essays, Readings, Discussions and Debates on 

American Jewish History 



I. THE JEW IN CHARITY. 

History: "The Development of Jewish Charities in America from 
1655 to 1905." 

Proceedings of National Conference of Jewish Charities — Sol. C. 
Lowenstein, Secretary Hebrew Orphan Asylum, New York. 

"The Last Fifty Years in Jewish Philanthropy" — Dr. Lee K. Frankel 

in October, 1905, number of "Jewish Charity" magazine issued by 

the United Hebrew Charities, New York. 
Jewish Encyclopedia articles, "Charity." 

"Charitable Organizations," "New York." 
Encyclopedia Americana, article : "Jewish Charity." 
"Modern Methods of Charity," Chas. R. Henderson — Chapters on 

Jewish Charity. 
Dr. K. Kohler : "History of Jewish Charity." — Reform Advocate 

Library. 

Biography: "Judah Touro, the Philanthropist and his successors." 

"Eminent Israelites of the 19th Century" — Henry S. Morais, Phila- 
delphia, 1880. 

Jewish Encyclopedia — "Judah Touro." 

Max J. Kohler : Paper on Judah Touro. Publ. of Jewish Historical 
Soc, Vol. XIH. 

Discussion: "How Can the American Jews Regulate the Immigra- 
tion Movement?" 

Articles in "Jewish Charity" — November, 1903; January, 1904; 

April, 1904; February, 1905. 
Proceedings of National Conference of Jewish Charities. 
"The Russian Jew in America" — C. J. Bernheimer, with References 

in Reading List. 

II. THE JEW AS A CITIZEN. 

History: "The legal disabilities against Jews as Citizens and how 
they were overcome." 

"Civic Status of the Jews in Maryland, 1634-1776" — Publ. American. 
Jewish Historical Society, Vol. 11., 33, etc. ; Vol. L, 25, etc. 

"Rights of Jews in Pennsylvania," John Samuel — Publ. Jewish His- 
torical Society, V. 

"Daly's Settlement of the Jews in North America." Introduction. 

"Life of Roger Williams." Oscar S. Straus. 



"Civil Status of the Jews in Colonial New York." Max J. Kohler, 
Publ. J. Historical Soc, VI. 

S. W. Rosendale : "An Act allowing Naturalization in the Colonies." 
'Same Publ., I. 

J. H. Hollander : "Naturalization of Jews in Am. Colonies." Same 
rub!., V. -J 

H. Friedenwald : "A letter of Jonas Phillips to the Federal Conven- 
tion." Same Publ., H. 

Simon Wolf: "The American Jew as Patriot, Soldier and Citizen." 

Biography: "Haym Salomon, the first eminent American Jewish 
citizen." 

"The American Jew as Patriot, Soldier and Citizen." Simon Wolf. 

"A Sketch of Haym Salomon." Herbert B. Adams. Publ. American 
Jewish Historical Society, H., HI. 

"The Jews of Philadelphia." H. S. Morais. 

Jewish Encyclopedia articles : "Haym Salomon," "America," "Phila- 
delphia." 

"Asser Levy, a noted Jewish Burgher of New Amsterdam." Leon 
Huhner, in Publ. of American Jewish Historical Society, Vol. 
VHL 

Discussion: "Resolved, That the present Sunday laws are justifi- 
able in their relation to the Jews." 

Year Book "Central Conference American Rabbis," 1905. 

A. M.' Fridenberg, in Publ. American Jewish Historical Society, Vol. 

n., p. loi. 
"Religious Liberty in the United States." Oscar L. Straus. 

III. THE JEW AS A PATRIOT. 

History: "The Heroic Participation of Jews in the Army and 

Navy." 

"The American Jew as Patriot, Soldier and Citizen." Hon. Simon 
Wolf. 

"Year Book Jewish Pub. Soc. of America for 5661, 5663, 5666." 

The Jewish Encyclopedia articles: "America," "Army," "Jews in the 
United States." 

"Incidents Illustrative of American Jewish Patriotism." Max J. 
Kohler, Publ. Jewish Historical Society, Vol. IV. 

"A Modern Maccabean." Rev. H. Cohen, Publ. American Jewish 
Historical Society, Vol. VI. 

"A Brave Frontiersman." Rev. Henry Cohen, Publ. American Jew- 
ish Historical Society, Vol. VIII. 

"Jews and the Anti-Slavery Movement." Max J. Kohler, Publ. 
American Jewish Historical Society, Vol. V. 

"The Jew in America." M. C. Peters. 

Huehner : "Francis Salvador," in Publ. J. Hist. Soc, IX. 

Huehner : "Jews in South Carolina," XII. 

S. Solis Cohen : Note concerning David Hays, etc. Publ., II. 

Philips : "The Levy and Seixas families." Publ., IV. 

Peters : "Justice to the Jew." 

Elzas : "The Jews of South Carolina." 



Biography: "Commodore Uriah P. Levy." 

Simon Wolf in "American Jewish Year Book, 1902-3." 

"The American Jew as Patriot, etc." By Simon Wolf. 

"The Jews of Philadelphia." H. S. Morais. 

"Eminent Israelites of the 19th Century." H. S. Morais. 

Jewish Encyclopedia : "U. P. Levy." 

"Justice to the Jew." M. C. Peters. 

Discussion: "Can Zionism be Legitimately Criticised as un- 
American?" 

"The Jewish State." Herzl. 

"The American Jew as Patriot, etc." Simon Wolf. 
Zionism — Open Letters, etc. Dr. J. Voorsanger, San Francisco. 
Papers and Discussions in Proceedings of Central Conference of 
Am.erican Rabbis, 1899. 

IV. THE JEW AS A FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE 
UNITED STATES. 

History: The Jews' part in American Industry, Cominerce, Arts 
and Sciences. 

Jewish Encyclopedia articles : "America," "Commerce," "Nether- 
lands," "New York," and articles on the various States and cities. 

Straus : "Origin of the RepubHcan form of Government in the U. S." 

Peters : "The Jew in America." 

Markens : "The Hebrews in America." 

Addresses in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the first 
settlement of Jews in North America, before "The Judeans" of 
N. Y., American Hebreiv, May, 1905; Menorah Monthly, June, 
1905; celebration of 250th anniversary, American Hebrew, anni- 
versary number, December, 1905. 

M. J. Kohler : "The Jew in American History," Review of Reviews, 
November, 1905. 

A. S. Isaacs: "The Jews in American History," North American 
Review, November, 1905. 

Daly's "Settlement of Jews in America." 

"Jewish Activity in American Colonial Commerce." Max J. Kohler, 
Jewish Historical Society, Vol. X., p. 47. 

"What Have the Hebrews x\ccomplished?" I. Zangwill, Success, 
May, 1902. 
' "The Jews of South Carolina." B. A. Elzas. 

"The Jews of Iowa." S. Glazer. 

Biography: "Louis de Torres." 

"Christopher Columbus and the Participation of the Jews in the 
Spanish and Portuguese Discoveries." By Dr. M. Kayserling, 
translated by Dr. Chas. Gross. 

Aaron Lopez in "The Jews in Newport." M. J. Kohler, Publ. J. 
Hist. Soc, VI. 

"Mordecai M. Noah." 
Jewish Encyclopedia article and references. 

"Michael Heilprin." 
Article in Jewish Encyclopedia, with Bibliography. 
"Jews of Philadelphia." H. S. Morais. 



"Emma Lazarus." 
Poems, two volumes. i88g. IMemoir. 
Jewish Encyclopedia article and references there given. 

Discussion: "Can the Jew succeed in Agriculture?" 

"Jewish Charity." May, 1904; December, 1904; February, 1905. 
"The Russian Jews in America." Rural Settlements. Bernheimer. 
"American Jewish Year Book 5665." 

V. JEWISH LEARNING IN THE UNITED STATES. 

History : "A Review of the Organization and Work of our Learned 
Bodies, Societies and Colleges; the Jewish Encyclo- 
pedia, etc." 

See Jewish Encyclopedia for the following : 

The Jewish Publication Societies. 

The Jewish Historical Society. 

The Jewish Chautauqua Society. 

Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati. 

Jewish Theological Seminary of America, New York. 

America-Judaism m 

"English-Jewish Literature in America." G. A. Kohut, Publ 
American Jewish Historical Society, Vol. IH. 

"Neo-Hebraic Litefature in America." B. Drachman, Seventh Re- 
port of the Jewish Theological Seminary, New York, 1903. 

Huehner: Judean Celebration 250th Anniversary, Am Hebrew 
May, 1905, Menorah Monthly. ' 

Biography: "Isaac Aboab our first Jewish Scholar and His Suc- 
cessors." 

"Isaac Aboab." Dr. M. Kayserling, Publ. American Jewish Histori- 
cal Society, Vol. V. 

"The Earliest Rabbis and Jewish Writers in America." Dr. M Kay- 

serhng, Publ. American Jewish Historical Society, Vol. HI. 
"Early Jewish Literature in America." By Rev. Geo. A. Kohut, Publ 

American Jewish Historical Society, Vol. HL 
Markens "The Hebrews in America." New York. 
Discussion: "Resolved, That Jewish Students should actively 
combat sectarian influences at College." 

VI. JEWISH EDUCATION IN THE UNITED STATES. 

History: "An account of the efforts made by the Jews to educate 
themselves and their children in Judaism." 

Jewish Encyclopedia articles: "Education," "Jewish Publication So- 
cieties," "Jewish Chautauqua," "Sabbath Schools," "Council of 
Jewish Women." 

"The Moral Training of the Young Among the Jews." H. Berko- 
witz, in "The Liternational Journal of Ethics," Philadelphia Jan- 
uary, 1905, and in the "Menorah" magazine, New York, Septem- 
ber, 1904. 

"Jewish Education" : Henry M. Leipziger. 

"Religious Education in Modern Judaism." L. Grossman, in He- 
brew Union College Annual, 1904. 



"Pedagogical Methods." L. Grossman, Reports Central Conference 
American Rabbis, 1903. 

"Jewish Sunday School Movement in America." Julia G. Richman, 

Jewish Quarterly Review. 
"Judaism at the World's Parliament of Religions." Organized Forces. 

Biography: "Rebecca Gratz and the Founding of the Jewish Sun- 
day-schools." 

"The Jews of Philadelphia." H. S. Morais. 
The Jewish Encyclopedia, article : Gratz. 
The Century Magazine, 1882. 

Discussion: "Should Religious Exercises of any kind be permitted 
in the Public Schools?" 

Year Book of Central Conference of American Rabbis. Calisch, 1902. 
Lefkowitz, 1905. 

"Religious Liberty in the United States." M. J. Kohler, American 
Jewish Historical Society, Vol. XL, 53. 

"Religious Liberty in the U. S." Oscar S. Straus. 

"The U. S. a Christian Nation." Justice D. J. Brewer. 

"Origin of Republican Form of Government in the United States." 
By Oscar S. Straus. 

VII. THE JEW IN RELIGION. 

History: "The Adaptation of Jewish Life to the American Envi- 
ronment." 

Jewish Encyclopedia article "America, Judaism in," and references 
there given ; also, "Reform Judaism." 
"Judaism at the World's Parliament of Religions." 

Biography: "Leaders of the Jewish Pulpit in America." 

Jewish Encyclopedia articles : America ; Judaism in ; Conference ; 
Reform'; Judaism; D. Einhorn ; L Leeser ; L M. Wise; G. M. 
Seixas; S. Adler ; M. Jastrow ; Samuel Hirsh; S. Morais; 
Licbman Adler; Max Lilienthal. 

•=The Jews of Philadelphia." H. S. Morais. 

American Jewish Year Book 5665, pp. 40-51 • 

N. Taylor Phillips, in Publ. American Jewish Historical Society, Vol. 
IV., pp. 204-9. 

David Einhorn m Publ. Am. J. Hist. Soc, V. I47-I5i- 
"Isaac M. Wise, Life and Selected Writings." Philipson & Gross- 
man. Cincinnati, 1900. 

"Reminiscences." By L M. Wise. Cincinnati, 1901. 

Discussion: "How can the Interest of the Young in the Synagogue 
be Strengthened?" 

Paper by Dr. Joseph Krauskopf and discussions in Proceedings of 

Central Conference of American Rabbis, 1899. 
"Judaism at the World's Parliament of Religions." 



DIRECTIONS 



Each Circle must use the material suggested above in accordance with 
the conditions which prevail in its midst. The themes may be subdivided 
so as to provide programs for as many meetings as may be desired. 

The Order of topics and programs suggested in the syllabus may be 
varied to suit local preferences. 

Popular Lectures on the given topics or those kindred thereto should 
be offered and competent speakers invited. 

Original Papers should be prepared by members of the Circles setting 
forth the facts collated by them from their readings. 

Selections from the papers referred to under each topic might serve 
instead of original papers by the members. 

Debates on any of the topics suggested for discussion may be assigned 
to regular contestants, or a speaker may be appointed for each side of a 
given question to introduce a general informal discussion in which all 
may participate. The subjects suggested are those now engaging the 
Jewish mind and in which a deep interest is widely felt. Other topics 
may be substituted. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY 

AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY. 



No text-book of American Jewish History has yet come into exist- 
ence. It is hoped that one of the products of the present interest in the 
subject may be to stimulate a competent authority to produce such a book. 
A fund for the publication of such a work has been solicited by the 
National Committee which arranged the celebration of the Two Hundred 
and Fiftieth Anniversary of the first settlement of Jews in America. 
The literature on the subject is contained in a few books devoted to special 
eras and in widely scattered essays and monographs. 

This explains the necessity of presenting the extensive list of refer- 
ences. Many of these will, no doubt, be out of the reach of the majority 
of persons. It is not necessary to have them all. One of the main pur- 
poses to be accomplished by this Syllabus is to urge upon the readers in 
each community to see that the Public Library, the Congregational 
Library or that of the Circle, secure some fair portion of these books. 
The prices are therefore given wherever obtainable. All these books may 
be secured by sending order with money to The Jewish Chautauqua 
Society, P. O. Box 825, Philadelphia, Pa. 



READING LIST 



♦"The Jewish Encyclopedia" — America ; Agricultural Colonies in United 
States; Charity; New York, and all other articles on States and 
Cities. Funk & Wagnall's, N. Y. 12 Vols. $6.00 each. 

♦"Publications of the American Jewish Historical Society" — Vol. I to XII 

— 1893-1904. $1 to $2, each volume. 

*"The Settlement of the Jews in North America" — By Chas. P. Daley, 
with notes by Max. J. Kohler. New York, 1893. $1.50. 

"Christopher Columbus and the Participation of the Jews in the Spanish 
and Portugese Discoveries" — Translated from the German by M. 
Kayserling and Dr. Chas. Gross. New York, 1894. $1.25. 

"Year Books of the Central Conference of American Rabbis — 1 890-1 905" — 

50c. per Vol. Free to Libraries on application to the Cor. Secretary, 
Rabbi T. Schanfarber, 4049 Grand Boulevard, Chicago, 111. 

"Jewish Charity" — Monthly Magazine. United Hebrew Charities, 356 
Second Avenue, New York. $1 a year, loc. a copy. 

"Charities" — A weekly publication. Charity Organization Society, New 
York. $2 per annum. 

"The American Jewish Year Book" — Annual 1890-1905. Jewish Publica- 
■ tion Society of America, at Philadelphia. 75c. each ; 1900 and 1904, 
$1 each. 

*"The Jews of Philadelphia"— Henry S. Morais, Philadelphia, 1894. $1. 

*"The American Jew as a Patriot, Soldier and Citizen" — Hon. Simon 
Wolf. Philadelphia, 1895. $2. 

"Roger Williams, the Pioneer of Religious Liberty" — Oscar S. Straus. 

"Origin of the Republican Form of Government in the United States off 
America" — By Oscar S. Straus. $1. 

"ReUgious Liberty in the United States" — By Oscar S. Straus. $1.00. 

"The Russian Jew in America" — Dr. Chas. S. Bernheimer. Philadelphia, 
1905. $2. 

"Modern Methods of Charity" — By C. R. Henderson. Chicago. $3. 



"Proceedings of the National Conference of Jewish Charities" — Sol. C. 

Lowenstein, Secr'y, Hebrew Orphan Asylum, New York. 

Isaac Markens — "The Hebrew in America." New York, 1888. 

"Lady Magnus" — Outlines of Jewish History, pp. 334-67. Philadelphia, 
1890. 75c. 

'Isaac M. Wise" — Life and Selected Writings. Philipson & Grossman, 
Cincinnati, Ohio, 1900. 

"Reminiscences" — By I. M. Wise, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1901. $1.50. 

Emma Lazarus Poems — 2 Vols. New York, 1889. $2.50. 

Hebrew Union College Annual — Cincinnati, O. $2 a set. 

"Judaism at the World's Parliament of Religions" — Union of American 
Hebrew Congregations. Cincinnati, ()., 1894. 

"The Jews and American Sunday Laws" — A. M. Fridenberg. Paper, 25c. 

"The United States a Christian Nation" — Justice David J. Brewer. Phila- 
delphia, 1905. $1. 

"Zionism — Open Letters on" — By Dr. J. Voorsanger. San Francisco. 
"A Jewish State" — Theo. Herzl. Paper, 50 cents. Cloth, $i. 
*"The Jew in America" — Rev. Madison C. Peters. Philadelphia. $1. 
"The Jews of South Carolina" — Philadelphia, 1905. Rev. B. A. Elzas. $6. 
"The Jews of Iowa" (In press) — Rev. S. Glazer. 

'•'The books marked with an asterisk are comprehensive, giving a 
general survey of the whole subject. // is necessary to have these in order 
to do the work above outlined. The other works are special studies of the 
subjects named. The Jewish Encyclopedia and the Proceedings of the 
Jewish Historical Society are the principal authorities. The Circle should 
see to it that the local Library is provided with these works for reference. 
Send orders with money to "The Jewish Chautauqua Society," P. O. Box 
825, Philadelphia, Pa. 



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NGBESS I ^ 




